Explore an area we had never visited, Fiji,Samoa, Tonga, and so much more. We like longer cruises with sea days as well as shore visits. Holland America's food and service exceeded our recent trips on Queen Mary 2, (transatlantic and Norway-scenery spectacular), and Norwegian, (Transatlantic and Baltic).
The trip is round trip from San Diego, 45 days, but we boarded five days earlier in Seattle.
Among the too-many highlights to list: two visits to the Big Island, Hawaii, opposite sides; tiny Fanning Island, Kingdom of Samoa, (the Royality provides a home for every citizen), islands, atolls, with names we had not heard of; learning about cultures-Polynesian, Micronesian, affiliated territories of New Zealand, etc.
Comfortable, twin bed setup, (choice.). Small couch across from tv. Fine, steward service.
One day, walking, fish market, gardens, older downtown district hotel.
Marina area walks Chinese food.
Visited Air craft carrier, old train station, trolley to downtown.
Secluded cove used by islanders, sea turtles visible, walk from ship.
Stayed in Lahaina area. Visited Hana on earlier trip. Recommend it and nearby waterfall,bamboo park.
Internet, Waikiki, lunch. Been there, done that.
First visit. Simple pleasure, swim, coffee.
Lovely island depending a good bit on several cruise stops a year. Felt we were intrusive, so many visitors, but a native reassured me that the children liked to look at the funny looking visitors and the money from sales of crafts was important. Supplies, food not grown on island brought monthly from China.
Walking tour, self guided, as on each visit.
Enjoyed learning history of kingdom from visitors center, reading materials.
Too much big city feel. Gaugin was gone-gone, sadly. Probably a nice place to live, but no romance for tourists.